11th Annual IndiaFest Wisconsin India Day celebrated  

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The 11^th IndiaFest Wisconsin’s India Day festivities were held August 26, 2023, to mark India’s 77^th year of independence from British rule.

The festivities in Wisconsin began in Menomonee Falls downtown village park, Waukesha county, with the parade by the children and guests invoking deity Ganesh followed by hoisting of the tricolor flag of India, a press release from SpindleInc. National anthems of both India and the US were played in the presence of dignitaries and leaders of the community. Ganesh Vandana, devotional and patriotic performances followed. A lamp lighting ceremony was also part of the observances.

Among the attendees were State Senator Dan Knodl, State Representative Paul Melotik, Waukesha County Supervisor Jacob LaFontain, Menomonee Falls Village President Jeremy Waltz, and Chair of Republican Party Congressional District 4 Bob Spindell. Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers, Mayor of Milwaukee Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, US Senator Ron Johnson, State Senator Chris Larson, Consul General of India (Midwest) Somnath Ghosh, Honorary Consul General of Bangladesh Monir Choudhury, Honorary Consul General of Nepal Marvin A. Brustin and Brookfield Mayor Steven Ponto were among the invitees. Flags of both countries were highlighted throughout the event.

A number of organizations supported and contributed to India Day celebration, including Wisdom Infotech, Trayix, Codeworks, Airport Animal Hospital, West Allis Veterinary Clinic, Elite Bar & Grill, Chicago Association of Rajasthanis in America, Sri Gayethri Foods, Pro-life Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood, and Asian American Store Owners Association.

Vendors included Chic Sari from Green Bay, Kumar Juice Catering Service from Chicago, Labourers of Christ from Michigan and restaurants and clothing businesses from the broader Milwaukee and Waukesha region. Activities enjoyed by attendees included Mehendi (henna), threading, shopping for Indian clothes, a bounce house for children etc.

Officially, Aug 15th, 2023 was proclaimed as INDIA DAY in Wisconsin by Governor Tony Evers, in Milwaukee County by County Executive David Crowley, and in Waukesha County by County Executive Paul Farrow.

Governor Evers proclamation read, “in addition to commemorating India’s independence, India Day provides an opportunity for all Wisconsinites to learn about Indian culture and its incredible diversity of language, region, and religion and to strengthen the bonds between the Indian community and others.”

U.S. Senator Ron Johnson congratulated praised organizers and thanked them for educating the greater Wisconsin community.

Since 2018, Spindle India, Inc., has worked with the Governor of Wisconsin’s office to obtain proclamation for India day in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s proclamation read, “Milwaukee County recognizes IndiaFest Wisconsin and Spindle India, Inc., for their invaluable contribution of community service to Milwaukee County and joins all Wisconsinites in celebrating and appreciating India Day, Indian Culture, and the Indian community in Milwaukee County.” Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow echoed similar sentiments in the proclamation.

Honorary Consul General of Nepal praised organizers for their hard work, as did Mayor of Brookfield.

Purnima Nath, founder of Spindle India, Inc. noted how SpindleIndia Inc. began as a small organization in 2013, worked to bring communities together regardless of few resources.

IndiaFest Wisconsin showcased ancient Indic culture, heritage and civilization and art forms, highlighting local talent from across the broader Milwaukee, Waukesha and Racine area showcasing music and dance. Kathak Dancer Natalia Armacanqui of Kallpa House of Spirit Dances from Madison and students from Milwaukee’s Aparna’s Dance Studio performed traditional, devotional, classical (Bharatnatyam) and contemporary dance forms. Mahijit Virdi, Abhijit Virdi, Manoj Tripathi from greater-Milwaukee and Racine counties and Special guest Dr. Neelima Sharma from India performed Bollywood’s old and contemporary music numbers.

A unique Folk Fusion featured Indian and South American (Ecuadorian) Instruments by Victor Murillo from Ecuador, Indrajit Banerjee from India on Sitar, an eons-old Indian stringed instrument, and Jason McKinsey on Drums and tabla from Texas. Contemporary Bollywood music was performed by the Bollywood orchestra of Archana Gauswami and Ajay Patel.